My dad never talked much about his role as a U.S. Army medic in World War II. One day, while sitting in the living room, he just opened up to me. He recalled how he was rushed to “the front” in an open Jeep in freezing temperatures and only wearing a light jacket. He mentioned how harsh the conditions were, and that he had treated as many men with frostbite as he did with combat wounds. I thought to myself, how could the mighty U.S. Army be so ill equipped? But history proved he was right. The U.S. Army was caught totally by surprise.
The “front” that my dad was referring to was the Battle of the Bulge. It started 76 years ago, Dec. 16, 1944, and lasted until Jan. 25, 1945. It was the costliest military action ever fought by the U.S. Army, with an estimated 100,000 casualties and another 100,000 German casualties.
This Christmas, think about what those brave men endured on the front lines.
I also think it is fitting to honor the present-day front-line health care workers. They, too, are in a struggle for victory. This time it is against the enemy pandemic. Let us not forget the sacrifices made by the brave men and women in the past as well as the present.
Ken Busony
Unity